Crash fatalities most frequent among sports cars, subcompacts

iSeeCars.com has analyzed the fatal crash rate of model year 2013-2017 vehicles using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The automotive research firm also compiled a list of 14 vehicles with a fatal crash rate that’s double the average of 2.6 cars per billion vehicle miles. Pennsylvania motorists should be aware that there were six sports cars and six subcompacts on the list.

The vehicle in that period with the highest fatal crash rate was the subcompact Mitsubishi Mirage (10.2 cars per billion vehicle miles), followed by the Chevrolet Corvette (9.8) and Honda Fit (7.7). At the end of the list were the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Nissan Versa Note (both 5.2). The list also contained Kia, Dodge and Subaru vehicles.

The fatal crash rate for sports cars and subcompacts in general was 4.6 and 4.5, respectively. iSeeCars.com gave several explanations for this, among them the fact that both types of vehicles tend to have few active safety features. The list did have exceptions, though, such as the Dodge Challenger (at number 10), which has rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

One interesting find was that many of the listed vehicles had high safety ratings. At the same time, many failed certain crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

Crash victims who suffer serious injuries may not have all their losses covered by personal injury protection. That means they may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. A lawyer may help them determine what their options are and how much they might be eligible for. If retained, the lawyer may hire investigators to look into the crash and gather proof against the defendant, including the police report, any physical evidence at the crash site, and eyewitness testimony.